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LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz attended the opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday marking the start of the country’s premier T20 cricket tournament with a strong political and sporting presence.
She was received upon arrival by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who welcomed the chief minister and accompanied her during key ceremonial moments ahead of the opening fixture.
During the pre-match proceedings, Maryam Nawaz was introduced to franchise owners of all teams participating in Pakistan Super League Season 11. She conveyed her best wishes to all franchises, expressing hope for a competitive and successful tournament.
The chief minister was also introduced to players from the opening match teams, Hyderabad Kingsmen and Lahore Qalandars, underscoring the significance of the event in bringing together sports leadership and government representatives.
In a highlight moment before the match, former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram carried the PSL 11 trophy onto the dice. The ceremony also featured the playing of Pakistan’s national anthem, adding to the patriotic atmosphere.
Mohsin Naqvi extended his best wishes to all participating teams at the official launch of the tournament, emphasizing the league’s role in promoting cricket and talent development in Pakistan.
Maryam Nawaz and Naqvi later watched the opening match together from the stands, joined by a number of senior officials, including Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, provincial ministers Salman Rafique and Faisal Ayub Khokhar, adviser Ali Dar, as well as PCB and PSL officials such as Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmad and PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer.
